Wits top the log as they picked up a 22-13 win over Fort Hare while UWC recorded a 24-15 away victory against UKZN in the sixth round of the Varsity Shield on Monday.

In Johannesburg, Wits started strongly, surging into a 19-0 lead against a 14-man Fort Hare as flyhalf Qondani Katywa was sent to the sin bin in the first stanza. With their one-man advantage, they grabbed three tries through wings Riaan Arends (2) and Nkuli Gamede.

However, Fort Hare fought back to make it 19-13 as flank Nkosikhona Nofuma scored before the break and Katywa slotted two penalties after the restart. The visitors continued to build momentum thereafter, but they couldn’t managed to add to their tally. Centre Brendan Lizamore eventually sealed the game with a late penalty. The victory sees Wits jump CUT into first place on the log, but the latter still have a game in hand.

In Pietermaritzburg, UWC shocked an in-form UKZN (who won their last two matches) at home.

The hosts lead at half-time as No 8 Leon Stevens helped his team to a 10-3 lead. UWC then rallied to victory in the second stanza as hooker Charlie van Jaarsveld, flanker Lwandile Makibi and replacment lock Griffith Temba scored tries. Impis claimed a consolation five-pointer via second rower Tinashe Bopoto.